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1 630 326 May 9 c s. ET 9 v 9 VALVE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR POWER ACTUATQRS Filed April 5, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 a NEW umiemwg X ATTORNEY May 31 1927.. 3,630,326

C. S. BRAGG ET AL VALVE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR POWER ACTUATORS Filed April 5, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY C. s. BRAGG ET AL VALVE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR POWER ACTUATORS May 31, 192?. 1,630,32

Filed April 5, 1925 i 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 I 4 IN INVENTORS QMQ m MA ATTORNEY Feiented i l/lay Bl, 192?.

stares rarest CALEB S. BRAGG, OF PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AND VICTGR W. KLIESRATI-I, OF PORT W'ASHENGTON, NEW YORK, ASSIG-Iil'ORS TO BRAGG-KLIESBILTH CORPORATION, 013 LGNG ISLAND CITY, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NE JV YORK.

VALVE-CONTROL MECHANISIVI FOR POVJ'ER ACT'UATORS.

Application filed April 3, 1925. Serial No. 20,333.

Our invention consists in the novel tea tin-es hereinafter described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the same selected by ustor purposes oi illustration, and the said invention is "fully disclosed in the following description and claims.

Our invention consists in improved controlling valve mechanism for power actuators. had is especially adapted to use in connection with automotive vehicles in which-the brakes may be applied by means of a power actuator operated either by suction from suction passage of the engine, as from the intake manifold, or by pressure as by a connection from the engine cylinder. According to our invention, a pivoted brake lever is employed, which is preferably operatively connected with the piston of a power actuator which in turn is connected in any usual or desired manner with the hi mechanism oi the vehicle, and the in he lever is provided with a 't-oot engagingportion. or pedal movable 'i'h respect to the pedal lever, and preferably having a rocking; motion with respect thereto, the valve ii'iechanisin for controlling the move nt nt of the actuator being so constructed and arranged with respect to the movable pedal, that the movement of the pedal with respect to the pedal lever etl ects the operatioii otthe control valve mechanism for the actuator. Vihen the pedal lever and pedal are in the off, or at rest, position, the valve mechanism will be normally maintained in such position that the brakes are entirely ment the o 'ie'ratofls foot with the pedal,

and the exerting of pressure on the pedal in the direction to move the pedal lever, will of necessity shift the pedal. with respect to the lever and "actuate the valve mechanism so as to apply the brake mechanism, and the normal position of the pivoted pedal lever is such that as the operators toot follows the pedal when the pedal lever is depressed, the engagement of the operators foot will tend to rock the pedal lever in a reverse direction with respect to the pedal lever, and reverse the valve, unless the operator consciously continues to, rock the pedal forwardly so as to counteract this effect. The pedal lever, as before stated, is preferably connected to the piston of the actuator so that the lever will be moved forwardly and downwardly by the operation of the piston of the actuator in applying the brakes. when the valve mechanism has been operated by the relative movement of the pedal with respect to the lever. It follows from this construction that the ope ator can add his physical power to the power of the actuator after the brakes are applied, and also that in case of failure of power the operator can, by his own physical power, apply the brakes in the usual manner by depressing the pedal lever. 'lhe'pedal is also connected to the pedal lever in such manner that the operator can apply his physical force to' the lever and the brake mechanism without rocking the pedal with respect thereto if he so desires, and can at any point in the stroke of said lever, if desired, rock the pedal and apply the power of the actuator.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of our invention,

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic vie-w represent ing the application of our invention to a vacuum brake system for automotive vehicles.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail view of the pedal leverand pedal, the actuator cylinder and piston, and connections.

Figs. 3 and l are detail sectional views of one form of valve mechanism which may be employed for controlling the actuator.

Fig. 5 is a view of a pedal lever and pedal showing a slightly modified valve construction, in which a portion of the valve mech' anism is embodied in the'pedal.

Figs. 6 and 7 are enlarged detail sectional views illustrating the construction of the valve mechanism.

Fig. 8 is another view similar to Fig. 2, showing a different type of pedal actuated valve mechanism.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the pedal and valve mechanism.

Fi 10 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the registering ports of the valve mechanism shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10, shoiw ing a slight modification.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing a modified form of our invention, in which electromagnetic devices are employed for operatin theactuator valves under the control of t 1e pedal.

Fig. 13 is a detail view showing a slight modification of the pedal illustrated in Fig.

Referring to the form of our invention shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, 1, represents the cylinder of a power actuator, provided in this instance with a single actuating piston, indicated at 2, connected by a link, 3, with brake mechanism diagrammatically illustrated at 4, which .may be of any usual or desired form, and is provided with retracting means, which may be in the form of a spring brake band, or a retracting spring, 5, operatively connected with the link, 3. or other connections. The actuator cylinder. 1, is connected with suitable means for providing differential pressures at opposite ends of the piston. In this instance we have shown the actuator adapted to be operated by suction from a suction passage of the engine, as the intake manifold, 6, of the internal combustion engine, 7, suitable cont-rolling valve mechanism being'interposed between the actuator cylinder, 1, and the manifold. 8 represents the usual pedal lever, or brake applying leverpivotally mounted at 9, on the chassis. and preferably operativcly connected with the brake mechanism for the purpose hereinbefore stated. Ve prefer to connect the brake lever with the piston, 2, as by a link rod, 10, thereby connecting it to thebrake mechanism through the piston of the actuator. The controlling valve mechanism for the actuator is carried by the pedal lever, 8. In Figs. 1 to 4, we have shown this valve mechanism as comprising the housing. 11. rigidly secured to the pedal lever, and provided with a rotary valve, indicated at 12, secured to the housing. and provided with a recess. 12. The housing is provided with a port, indicated at 13, which is connected by pipe. 14, with the cylinder, 1, of the actuator, and the housing is also provided with a vent port. 15. communicating with the atmosphere. and with a suction port, '16. connected 'bv a pipe 17. with the intake manifold of the engine. The recess. 12. in the valve, 12, is adapted to connect the port. 13, with the suction port, 16, or with the vent port. 15. according to the position of the valve, 12.

returned toward normal position.

The pedal lever is provided with a pedal, '18, which in this instance is pivoted thereto, at 19, so as to have a rocking motion with respect to the pedal lever, 8. The pedal is also connected to the valve mechanism, in this instance by a link, 20, pivoted at one end to the pedal, and at the other end to an eccentric portion of the rotary valve, 12. Yielding means are provided for normally maintaining the valve in the off position, at which time the recess, 12, connects the port, 13, with the vent port, 15, and said yielding means also preferably holds the pedal in such a position that when the foot of the operator is applied thereto for the purpose of applying the brake mechanism, the pressure of the operators foot will naturally produce a relative movement of the pedal with respect to the lever, in this instanceroclting it in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2, so as to shift the recess, 12", and cause it to connectthe suction port, 16, with the port, 13, leading to the actuator. In this instance-we have shown the valve, 12, provided with a retracting spring, 21, for accomplishing these purposes. The pedal lever is preferably pivoted as shown, so that when it is moved from normal position, it will swing forwardly and downwardly. It follows from this construction and arrangement that if the operator places his foot on the pedal and thereby rocks it forwardly in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2, as above stated. as the pedal lever swings downwardly and forwardly, if the operator made no change in the position of his foot. the pedal would he rocked on its pivot rearwardly, (or in a direction opposite to the arrow in Fig. 2). and gradually the valvewould be This makes it necessary for the operator to consciously continue to depress the toe of his foot as the lever descends, in order that the valve may remain in position to operate the actuator. to the desired extent, and the movement of said lever under the action of the actuator can be instantly. arrested by tilting the pedal backward. i. e.,,by the 0 rator elevating his toe and depressing his heel. This arrangement gives the operator an exceedingly minute and delicate control of the extent of movement of the pedal lever, and the consequent extent to which the brakes are applied, and prevents a sudden and violent jamming on of the brakes inadvertently, the operator placing his foot on the pedal. as he must consciously and continuously rock the pedal forward. as the lever descends to counteract the automatic reversal of the pedal with respect to the lever, if the position of his foot remains unchanged. It will be understood that when it is desired 'to apply the brakes, the operator will place his foot in engagement with the pedal, 18, thereby instantly rocking the valve, 12, so as to connect the pipe, 14, and port, 13, vith the suction port, 16, and thereby connect the cylinder of the actuator with the intake manifold. The piston of the actuator will instantly respond, moving in the direction of the arrow and applying the brake mechanism. The application of the brake mechanism can be checked by slight rocking ot' the pedal, 18, backward, which' will cause the valve to close the suction passage and hold the actuator piston and brakes. By slightly rocking the pedal, 18, the operator can apply the brakes to a greater GZ\":1113, or relieve the: i, by locking the pedal backivard, so as to bring the recess, 12. into position to connect the port, 13, with the vent port, 15. it will also be seen that when the piston, 2, moves forward, it will move the pedal lever downwardly and forwardly through the connecting link rod, 10, the operator's toot following in engagement with the pedal in the manner above described, but it is not necessary torthe operator to exert any actual 7 pressure on the pedal beyond that required to rock the pedal and actuate the valve mechanism against its retracting sprin When the brakes are tally appln by the actuator, however, the operator may, by exerting his physical force upon the pedal and pedal lever, add such physical power to the power of the actuator in the application ot' the brakes when this'becoines desirable, and in *ase oit'ailure oi? the power, it is obvious that the operator may nevertheless, by depressing the pedal leveig apply his physical :torce to the brakes to apply the ie,'the valves being open to properly vent the cylinder. it will also be seen that it' the operator applies his foot to the pedal in such a manner as that to rock the pedal with respect to the lever, wl'iich would require a conscious act on his part, he could depress the lever entirely by his own physical power and apply the brakes without calling the power 1 ctuator into action, and at any point in the stroke of the'pedal lever he could by rocking the pedal forwardly in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2, call the actuator into action to supplement his e'liorts to the desired extent. In other words, he has two sources of pow 1 to be applied through the pedalindependently or simultaneously, and each is under accurate control.

In Figs. 5, 6 and '7, we have shown a slight modification of our invention, in which the controlling valve mechanism for the actuator is embodied directly in the pedal and its pivotal connections with the lever; in these figures. 108 represents the penal lever, pivoted at 109, and connected with the piston of the actuator by link rod, 110, in the manner shown in Fig. 2, and is provided witlra pedal,'11& pivotally mounted with respect to the lever, 108. In this instance the pedal lever, 108, as best shown in Fig. 6, is pronres. 3011,

est;

( [O coi ununicatc at all times wi h t heic in a desired manner. The i. S, is provi i qbcr, 119. engaging the stationary ,nibei', 111., and provided with a 1 i 12. which is adapted to connect the 1 with the vent passage, 115, when i are in normal position, and to conc port, 113. with the port, 116, when e pedal is moved by the toot oi the operr r. The ports may be held in assembled r latn'r-n in an}, desired nianncr. in this ins ice the hou ing member, 119. ot the pedal,

118. is maintained in pivotal relation with the port, 111, by a washer, 110", a spring, 119, and a nut. 119, on one of the axial supg'iorts, tor the part. 111, extending lu'h he ad incent bifurcated portion. 08 oi the pedal lever. any suitable spring niecianism may be employed for holdiui'g' i 11 in its norznal position. in this in.-;tance we have shown a spring, 121, secured the pedal lever and engaging a lint face on the housiiur member-d119,bi the pedal fo this purpose. The operation 01" this 'iorni'oi our invention wilhbe as prevl-zznsly described with rcicrence to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusi c. I

In 8 and 0 and 10. have shown, another sligi'h modification oi our intention, in which the odal pivotallv connected e pedal leverand installed in connec- V a actuator having a douole acting piston maintained by yielding means iii normal or oil positionJsaid penal heine' capahle oi bein moved in one direction to cttcct the tori ard movement or the piston to apply the brakes. and in the opposite direction to posi ively move the piston in the reverse direction. to relieve lhedunkes, after which the pedal is maintained in norina position hy nu h yielding means. In the e lio v represents the pedal lever, pivoted at 309, and connect d by a link rod. 310. with a double acting),- piston. 302, in the ac tuator cylinder, 301, which in this tance is closed at both nds. said piston being provided ith a piston rod, 302 connected with the brake mechanism in any usual 7r desired manner. 318 represents the pedal. pivotallv connected at to the pedal lever. and provided with. valve n' ochani in for controlling the actuator. In this instance the valve cd by pipe, 314, with the cylinder, 301, on the forward side of the piston, said plate having a port, 313, connected by pipe, 31.4, with the cylinder, 301, on the rear side of the piston, said plate also being provided with vent apertures, 31.5 and 315, open to the atmosphere. and with a port, 316, connected with the intake manifold, by a pipe, 317. The pedal, 318, is provided with a valve member, 312, pivotally connected to the plate, 311, at 319, in any usual or desired manner, the valve member, 312, being provided with recesses, 2312 indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 12. which are so located as to connect each of the ports, 313 and 313, with the adjacent vent opening-s, 315 and 315*, when the valve is in neutral position,

in which it is held by a spring, 3y rocking the pedal in a tt'iorward direction against this spring, the suction port, 316, will be placed in connection with the port. 313, leading to the front end of the cylinder of the actuator. The vent aperture, 315, for this portion of the cylinder, will. be closed, while the port, 313", communicating with the rear portion of the cylinder. will remain in communication with vent aperture, 315".

' The piston will move forward in a direction to apply the brakes, and the forward movementof the piston can be arretcd at any movement by rockingthe pedal. '18. back to its normal position. By rocking the pedal backward. of its normal position, the suction port, 316, can be placed in communication with the port, 313, leading to the cylinder in rear of the piston the vent, 315, being closed, while the vent, 315, will be in communication with the port, 313, leading to the front portion of the cylinder, thus positively moving the piston, 302, rearwardly to release the brake mechanism and restore it. and the lever, 308, to normal position. When the foot is removed from the pedal, 318, the spring, 321, will restore it to the normal or off position. Unless the stop sl'iown in Fig. 8 is used, the pipe, 114;, may be so located that it will be sealed by the piston in [the 0d or at rest position.

In some instances it is desirable to maintaina state of raritication in the cylinder on both sides of the piston when the apparatus is in the normal or otf position, in order that the quickest possible response of the actuator piston may be secured in applying the brakes, without admitting any appreciable quantity of air to the intake inanifold, or other source of suction. here such an operation of the actuator is de sired. it necessary to slightly modify the construction of the'ports and rece.--ses with which the stationary and movable valve In Fig. 11 we have shown diagrammatically, one arrangement of valve plates for operating the actuator and maintaining a state of rarification on both sides of the piston when the actuator is in its off or normal position. In this figure, 311", represents the stationary valve plate secured to the edal lever, as in Figs. 8 and 9, said plate ing provided with a suction port, 316", connected with the suction pipe leading to the intake manifold, and with ports, 313" and 313", leading res ectively to the forward and rear chain ers of the cylinder. The movable valve plate connected with the pedal lever is provided with a recess, the position of which is indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 11, at 312", which, in the normal or off and in the neutral position of the parts, extends over the suction port, 316, and on both sides thereof, sutticiently to include a portion of each of the ports, 313, and 313, as clearly shown in F 1g. 11, thus connecting the suction port with the cylinder on both sides of the piston and maintaining a raritication in both ends of the cylinder. The pedal, 318, is provided with a stop rod, 318", having an adjusting nut, MS, as shown in Fig. 8, to hold the pedal valve in neutral position when the piston and brake lever are in the 0H or at rest position. It will be understood that, after an application of the brakes, they may be permitted to release themselves by exhausting: the air admitted to the rear of the p e-ton without admitting atmospheric air to the cylinder forward of the piston, but to cii'cct the restoration of the brakes to normal or otl position by power, atmospheric air may be admitted to the cylinder forward of the piston. The movable valve plate is also provided with two vent ports, 315" and 315". the relative posit-ions of which are indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 11, one being: adjacent to each of the corresponding cylimler ports. It will now be seen that if the movable valve plate is shifted in either direction'ythe recess, 312", will be moved into full registration with one of the cylinder ports, while the vent port forthe other cylinder port will be brought into registration therewith. thus confining the suction to one end of the cylinder and admitting air to the other.

In Fig. 12 we have shown another slight piston rod, 402, is adapted to be connected with the brake mechanism in the manner hereinbefore described. In this instance the cylinder, 401, is provided with a pipe or passage, 417, for connecting it:with the intake manifold or other source ofsuction,

said passage being controlled by a valve,

417. The cylinder is also provided with a separatevalve, 115. The suction valve,

117 is provided with an electromagnet,

422, tor opening the same-said valve being normally held in closed position by a suitable spring, 423. The valve, 4:15, is normally held closed by a spring. 12%, and is adapted to be opened by an electromagnet, indicated at Any known or desired term of electroma netic device may be employed for operating th val res, and the particular form of such electromagnetic device forms no part of our invention. For example, we may use ordinary electromagnets operating on movable armaturcs, or we may employ solenoids operating on longitudinally movable cores, or any other term of electromagnetic devices which may be desirable. In this instance we have shown the pedal lever, 408, provided with a pedal, 418, pivoted at 419, and provided with a tracting springpst2lr The pedal is, in this instance, provided with contacts, silt? and 418', for engaging, respectively, contacts, 426 and 4:27, insulated from each other and the lever, and carried by'a plate, -1l-28, sc cured to the lever, 408. The contact, 42?, is shown as connected by a wire, 429, with the electromagnetic device, 122, for controlling the suction valve, 417", and the contact, 41:18, is shown as connected by wire, 4:30. with the electromagnetic (.evicc, 4:25, for controlling the vent valve, e15. Said electromagnetos, or other electric devices are connected by a wire, 131, with a battery, 4.32, or other source of electric power, which is in turn connected with ground, as indi cated, for example, as being connected to a portionof the chassis to which the pedal lever, 4-08, is connected, so that the pedal also grounded at this connection with the pedal lever. The spring, 14.21, normally holds the pedal, 4-18, in position with the contact. 118. in engagement with the contact, 426, closing the circuit through the electromagnetic device, 425, and tending to hold the vent valve in open position .ln order to prevent the running down of the battery, or other unnecessary use of electric current when the parts are at rest, we pret'er to provide means for automatically breaking the circuit through the. contact, e26, when the lever, 4:08, is in its norinal or otl position. For this purpose, we have shown, in Fig. 12, a cut out switch on the pedal lever, comprising the fixed contacts, 133, and a movable switch member, 1-34:, nor

mally held in closed position by a spring,

a stationary adjustable stop, indicated at .35, being provided on the frame of the vehicle. in position to be engaged by the movable switch member, 434, as the pedal l0. -r returns to its normal or off position, thus separating it from the contacts, 433, and breaking the circuit through the electrornagnetic device, 425. The pedal, 418, is so placed that when the operator places his foot upon it, as before stated, pressure of his "foot will move the lever, 4-08, away from the stop. thus restoring the contact switch member, 43 11, to its engagement with the contacts, 433, and tends to shift the pedal in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 12, and bringing the contact, 418 into e gagement with the contact, 427, energizing t r"- electromagnetic device, 122, and opening t 1e suction valve, 441'? The piston will immediately move forward in a direction to apply the brake mechanism. When the brakes have been applied su'lliciently, the operator may, by rocking the pedal in the opposite direction from that indicated by the arrow in Fig. 12,'bring it into such a position that neither oi the electric circuits are closed, thus permitting the suction valve, 417", and ventvalve. 115 to remain closed under the action of their respective springs, and holding the brake mechanism. If the operator rocks the pedal, 418, backward, so as to bring the contact, 418 into engagement with the contact, 126, the circuit will be closed through the electromagnetic device, 4-25.. and the vent valve opened, permitting the retraction of the piston and the rcliefot the brake mechanism, and restoring the pedal lever, 108, to its normal position. at which time the out out switch, 134, will engage the stop, 4-35, and break the circuit through the electromagnetic devices controlling the vent valve, permitting it to seat under the action of its spring.

The cylinder is also provided with a safety valve, indicated at 41/10, normally held closed by a spring, but capable of. opening to vent the cylinder in case the brakes are applied by the physical force of the operator in the event of the tailure of the electric circuit to open the valves and vent the cylinder.

Instead of using the cut out switch illustrated in Fig. 12, we may provide the pedal with a stop red, as illustrated in Fig. 13, in which the pedal is indicated at 518, provided with the contacts, 518 and 518*, and the pedal stop rod extending through an aperture in the floor board, is indicated at 518", the rod being provided with an adjustable nut. 518 The nut is adjusted so that when the pedal lever, 508, returns to normal or off position, the stop rod will raise the pedal in position to break the circuit through. the contact. 518 thus accomplishing the same result that is accomplished by the circuit breaker shown in Fig. 12. As soon the pedal. lever is depressed, the pedal will be released from the restraint of the stop rod and either of the contacts, 518, or 518", can be brought into action.

The forms of our invention shown in Figs. 12 and 13 are not claimed specifically herein,

as they form the subject matter of a divisional application filed by us on the 3rd day off July- 1926, and given Serial No. 120,420.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston operatively connected with the brake mechanism and means for establishing differential pressures on opposite faces of the pistons including controlling valve mechanism, of a pivoted rocking pedal operative connections between said pedal, and said valve mechanism and yielding means for normally holding said pedal and the valve mechanism in such position that the placing of the operators toot thereon in normal position will effect the rocking of said pedal, in a direction to operate said actuator and apply the brakes.

2. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston operatively connected with the brake mechanism and means for establishing differential pressures on opposite faces of the piston includinp controlling valve mechanism, of a pivoted rocking pedal, operative connections between said pedal and said valve mechanism, and a spring normally holding said edal out of the position to which it is moved 'y the placing of the operators foot in normal operative relation therewith. and holding the valve mechanism in off position, whereby the act of engaging the toot in normal operative relation with said pedal will rock the pedal. in a direction to operate said valve mechanism and eausesaid actuator to apply the brakes.

3. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston operatively connected with the brake mechanism and means for establishing difierential pressures on opposite faces of the piston including controlling valve mechanism, of a pivoted pedal lever, operatively connected with said brake mechanism, a pedal pivotally connected with said lever, operative con nections between said pedal and said valve mechanism, yielding means for normally holding the pedal and said valve mechanism in such position that the placing of the open ators foot in normal position thereon will effectthe rocking of said pedal in a direction to operate the actuator and apply the brake mechanism.

4. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston operatively connected with the brake mechanism and means for establishing differential pressures on opposite faces of the piston inally connected with said lever, operative connections between said pedal and said valve mechanism, yielding means for normally holding the pedal and said valvemechanism in such position that the placing of the operators foot in normal position thereon will effectthe rocking of said pedal in a direction to operate the actuator and apply the brake l'l'lQCllfllllSlll, said pedal lever being supported normally in such position that the operative stroke thereof while the pedal is maintained in the position in which it is nor mally held by engagement of the o erators topt therewith, will rock the pecal rearwardly with respect to said pedal lever and reverse the operation of said valve mecha nism.

5. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston operatively connected with the brake mechanism and means for establishing differential pressures on opposite faces of the piston including controlling valve mechanism, o't'a pivoted pedal lever operatively connected with the brake mechanism, a rocking pedal having a pivotal connection substantially centrally thereof with said pivoted pedal lever, and operative connections between said rocking pedal and the valve mechanism of the actuator, whereby said brake mechanism may be applied by the pressure of the operators foot on said pedal without rocking it with respect to said pedal lover, and by rocking it with respect to said lever the power of the actuator may be applied to the brake mechanism.

,6. In an automotive vehicle, the combina tion with brake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston operatively connected with the brake mechanism and means for establishing differei'itial pressures 011 opposite faces of the piston including controllingvalve mechanism, ofa pivoted pedal lever operatively connected with the brake mechanism a rocking pedal. having a pivotal connection substantially centrally thereof, with said pivoted pedal lever, and operative connections between said rocking pedal and the valve mechanism of the actuator, whereby said brake mechanism may be applied by the pressure of the o tierators foot on said pedal without rockin it with respect to said pedal lever, and by rocking it with respect to said lever, the power of the actuator may be applied to the brake mechanism, and yielding means nor mally holding said pedal in such position with respect to the pedal lever that the placing of the operators foot in normal position thereon will rock the pedal and apply the brakes.

Hill

7'. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with bake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston operatively connected with the brake mechanism and means for establishing differential pressures on opposite faces of the piston including controlling valve mechanism, of a pivoted pedal lever operatively connected with the brake mechanism, a rocking pedal having a pivotal connection substantially centrally thereof with aid pivoted pedal lever, and operative connections between said rocking;- pedal and the valve mechanism of the actuator. whereby said brake mechanism may be applied by the pressure of the ope 'ators foot on said pedal without rocking it with respect to said pedal lever, and by 'ocking it will respect to said lever the power of the actuator may be applied to the brake mechanism, and yielding neans normally holding said pedal in such position with respect to the pedal lever that the placing of the or erators foot in normal position thereon will rock the pedal and apply the brakes, said pedal being normally held in such position that its operative movement, while the aerial is held in position to which it is rocked lay the normal application of the operators toot, will cause the pedal to rock rearwardly with respect to the pedal lever and impart a reverse movcmei'it to the valve mechanism.

8. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with b 'alte mechanism, a power actuator eoin 'n'ising a cylinder closed at both ends, a piston in the cylinder, operatively connected with the brake mechanism, and suction producing means, of controlling valve mechanism, including stationary and movable parts, one of said parts being provided with a port connected with said suction means, and cylinder ports, each of which is connected to the actuator cylinder on one side of the piston. the other of said parts being provided with a recess apted to connect the suction port with both ol said cylinder ports when in neut 'al position, and being' provided also with av vent port adjacent to each of said cylinder ports, a pedal connected with said movable par, and a reracl'ting spring for .aid pedal, whereby a movement of the pedal in either direction will move said recess out of registration with one of the cylinder ports. while leaving the other cylinder port connected with the suction means, whereby the brakes may be permitted to release then'iselves by exhausting the air in rear of the piston without aomittine atmospheric air to the cylinde forward of the piston.

9. In an automotive vehicle. the combination with brake mechanism, a power actuaior comprising a cylinder closed at both ends, a piston in the cylinder. operatively connected with the brake mechanism and suction producing means, of controlling valve i'nechanisin. including" a stationary part, a in vable part secured thereto and having an oscillating movement with respect thereto, one ct sai' parts being provided with a suction port co niected with the suction means. and cylmiter orts connected w th the c vlindtu on o sides oi. the

V the other or said parts being" pro- .ed with a recess connecting the suction port with each of the cylinder ports when in neutral position. and b also provided with a vent port .l aceni to each of said cylinder ports, a petal lever secured to and ariying the stationary pa rt, a pedal secured to said movable nirt, the said ports being; st arranged that the movement of the pedal in either direction will disconnect the suction passage from one end of the cylinder while leaving it connected with the other. and a urther in vement the pedal in either die tion will bring one of the vent ports into iaristration with the cylinder ports, so disfrom the, suction port, whereby r-rahes are applied they may 1e release themselves l restoring valve to neutral position, withair '0 the cylinder forward of iii the brakes may be released having: an oscillation .iioreinentwith respect thereto, one of said parts bein provided l h with a suction port connected with the suction means, ports connected with the cylinder on opposite sides of the iiston. the other of said mrts beingpro vided with :1 rec conn cting; the suction port with each or the cvli der ports when in neutral position, and being also provided h a vent port adjacent to each oi said er ports. a pedal lever secured to and carry are the stationary part. a iedal secured to said minable part, the sait ports being so arrai ed that the llhfv'finmlt of the pedal in i ner lircction will disconnect the suc "i passage from one end of the cylinder .e leaving it connected with the other, and a "further movement of th pedal in either direction will bring; one of the vent parts into reg stration with the cylinder ports so disconnected tr an the suction port, operative -onnections being the petal and llll nected therewith in neutral position when the pedal lever and piston are in the normal or off position.

11. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder, and a piston operativelv connected with the brake mechanism, and means for establishing differential pressures on opposite faces of the piston, of controlling "alve mechanism, a pivoted pedal lover, a pedal pivotally connected with said lever, and operatively connected with the said controlling valve mechanism for op erating the same by a rocking movement of the pedal, operative connections between the pedal and said actuator piston, whereby the said lever will be moved by the piston, and whereby the operator in: j apply his physical force to brake mechanism in addition to the power of the actuator, or in case of failure of power, yielding, means for holding the pedal in position to maintain the *alve mechanism in normal or oil p'sition, and retract? ing means for said pedal lever and brake mechanism.

12. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder, and a piston operatively connected with the brake mechanism, and means for estalr-lishinn (inferential pressures on opposite faces of the piston. of controlling valve mechanism, a pivoted pedal lover, a pedal movably connected with said lever, operative connections between the movable pedal and said controlling valve mechanism, movably connected to said lever, electron'ia metic devices for operating said controlling valve mechanism, and electric connections for controlling said electron'ian netic devices, ineluding contacts operatively connected with said pedal.

13. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power aetuator comprising a cylinder, and a piston operatively connected with the brake mechanism, and means for establishing differential pressures on opposite faces of the piston. of controlling valve mechanism, a pivoted pedal lever, a pedal movably connected with said lever, operative connections between the movable pedal and said controlling valve mechanism, movably con nected to said lever, electron'iagnetic de vices for operating said controlling valve mechanism, and electric connections for controlling said electromagnetic devices, including contacts operatively connected with the said pedal, and means lior placing said electric connections out of operative condition when the pedal lever is in normal or oil position.

14. In an auton'iotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power aetuator comprising a cylinder, and a piston operatively connected with the brake mechanism, and means for establishing ditlerential pressures on opposite faces of the piston, ot controlling valve mechanism, a pivoted pedal lever, a pedal movably connected with said lever, operative connections between the movable pedal and said controlling valve mechanism, movably con nected to said lever, electromagnetic devices for operating: said control ing valve mechanism. and electric connections for controllingsaid electromagnetic devices, including contacts operatively connected with the said pedal, operative connections be tween the pedal lever and said piston, yieldinn means for retracting said pedal, means i'or retracting the pedal lever, acstop in the path of the pedal lever for arresting the lever in normal or oil osition, said stop and the pedal lever being provided, the one with a cut out switch for breaking said electrical connections to prevent the waste of electrical. energy, and the other with a part for operating said switch.

In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder, and a piston operatively connect-ed with the brake mechanism, and means for establishing difi'erential pressures on opposite faces of the piston, of controlling valve mechanism, a. pivoted pedal lever, a pedal movably con nect-ed with said lever, operative connec tions between the movable pedal and Said cortrolling valve mechanism, movably connected to said lever and provided with electric contacts, coacting contacts carried by said lever, electromagnetic devices-for operatii'ig said controlling valve mehanism, electric circuits for said electromagnetic devices, including said contacts, a cut out switch for said circuits carried by said lever, and a stop in the path of the said lever when it is returned to normal or off position for actuating said out out switch.

16. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake meolninisn'i, a power actuator comprising a cylinder, and a piston o 'ieratively connected with the brake mechanism, and means for establishing difl'ereutial pressures on oppositefaccs of the piston, of controlling valve mechanism, a pivoted pedal lever, a pedal movably connected with said lever, operative connections between the movable pedal and said controlling valve mechanism, movably connected to said lever and provided with electric contacts, coacting contacts carried by said lever, electromagnetic devices for operating said controlling valve mechanism, electric circuits for said electromagnetic devices. including said contacts, operative connectioi'is between the piston and the pedal lever for enabling the operator to apply the brakes by physical force, and a safety valve for venting the cylinder in case of failure of the electromagnetic devices to properly control said valve mechanism.

17. In an automotive vehicle, the combination with brake mechanism, a power actuator comprising a cylinder, and a piston operatively connected with the brake mech anism, and means for establishing differential pressures on opposite faces of the piston, of controlling valve mechanism, a pivoted pedal lever, a pedal inovably connected with said lever, operative connections between the movable pedal and said controlling valve mechanism, inovably connected to said lever and provided with electric contacts, coacting contacts carried by said lever, electromagnetic devices for opcrating said controlling valve 'inechanism, electric circuits for saidelectromagnetic dedevices, including said contacts, operative connections between the piston and the pedal lev r for enabling the operator to apply the brakes by physical force, and a safety valve for venting the cylinder in case of failure of the electron'iaguetic devices to properly control said valve mechanism, and means for insuring both of the pedal contacts being out of connection with their coacting contacts when the pedal lever and piston are in normal or oil position.

tures.

CALEB S. BRAGG. VICTOR W. KLIESRATH.

In testimony whereof we aflix our signa- 

